ALVIN Pasaol missed the first week of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 3x3's seven-day training camp but he is eager to make up for lost time as the team enters the final week of preparation for the 2021 FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The Davaoeño could not enter the Calambubble because of health and safety protocols but he assured everyone that he did his due diligence at home.

"During that time, nag-eextra workout tapos may Zoom workout kami ni Coach Benj (Palarca). Habang nasa bubble sila, ginagawa ko rin yung tungkulin ko para pagpasok ko sa bubble ready ko," said the no. 2 ranked 3x3 player in the country.

"Confident ako na mabibigay ko yung todo kong lakas sa remaining practices namin sa bubble at sa OQT," he added.

The Gilas 3x3 reconvened at the Inspire Sports Academy on Saturday. This time, Pasaol will be there alongside teammates Joshua Munzon, no. 6 Karl Dehesa, no. 8 Santi Santillan, and 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medalists CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa.

"Siyempre, sobrang excited na makasama ko sila ulit. Dahil sa pandemic, hindi kami naka-practice at nagkita-kita. Masaya na makita ko sila muli," relayed the 26-year-old.

A veteran of FIBA’s 3x3 pro competitions, Pasaol is well aware how physical and rugged the opposition would be. Gilas 3×3 faces the Piran-powered Slovenia and Qatar on the 26th while taking on France and the Dominican Republic on the 28th.

Pasaol though is confident that the Gilas quartet can keep in step with those teams.

"Sa magandang binuo na pool ng SBP, talagang sinigurado nila na nandun lahat ng kulang natin. Kayang kaya natin makipagsabayan, tiwala na lang na mananalo," said Pasaol.

Come the OQT, Pasaol will finally don the colors of Gilas Pilipinas and he willcherish each moment with the national team as it has been a childhood dream of his to do so.

"Simula bata ako, gustong gusto ko talaga na makasali sa Gilas. Dream come true ito na makaabot sa stage na ito. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Boss Al (Panlilio), Boss Butch (Antonio), kay Coach Ronnie (Magsanoc), at sa buong SBP dahil nakasama ako sa pool na 'to." (JNP)